The main reason is that a lot of people jump on the band wagon of the bagger. They think the bigger and the more expensive the better which is far from it. You should just enjoy the bike you ride and not think of what others think or do.
When I got into photography, the number one lesson I learned was work with the tools you have and don't try to chase the best/expensive camera. That advice is applicable here too. Great point.
Good video and topic. Having owned 3 different baggers I switched to the Low Rider ST. I am a long distance rider. The agility/handling/power to weight/suspension of the LRST are so much better. IMHO the only category where a bagger is better suited for the long haul is 2up. Not something I do. Baggers are good, the softail chassis when set up properly, Heritage Classic/Sport Glide/Low Rider ST come straight out of the factory ready for the open road. Baggers do have their place however, don’t overlook the softail. Take care.
Good video and topic. Having owned 3 different baggers I switched to the Low Rider ST. I am a long distance rider. The agility/handling/power to weight/suspension of the LRST are so much better. IMHO the only category where a bagger is better suited for the long haul is 2up. Not something I do. Baggers are good, the softail chassis when set up properly, Heritage Classic/Sport Glide/Low Rider ST come straight out of the factory ready for the open road. Baggers do have their place however, don’t overlook the softail. Take care.
Good video and topic. Having owned 3 different baggers I switched to the Low Rider ST. I am a long distance rider. The agility/handling/power to weight/suspension of the LRST are so much better. IMHO the only category where a bagger is better suited for the long haul is 2up. Not something I do. Baggers are good, the softail chassis when set up properly, Heritage Classic/Sport Glide/Low Rider ST come straight out of the factory ready for the open road. Baggers do have their place however, don’t overlook the softail. Take care.
I NEVER see used LRS's for sale, ever here in Phoenix. Usually they don't stay at the dealership long enough for anyone to bother making an ad for the internet. Lot's of Fatboy's, Softtail Slims and "not blacked out" softtails are what you see for sale used at the dealerships. My local Harley dealer has had a used 114 Fat Boy on their lot since March. It's cool Harley Guys are getting away from the Chrome and Shiny stuff, and going towards the darker/blacked out look. Even non-Harley people look at a LRS and go damn, that thing looks badass...
I feel like I’ve seen them pop up more so recently then before but you’re right, they don’t last long. If you pop into the fxlrs Facebook pages you’ll see people selling them usually to go to a bagger
I'm late to the party but I think you make some valid points on why people are trading in or selling their bikes. I would add that what bike a person rides, regardless of distance, is totally up to them. I know folks and have friends who travel the country on Sportys and Low Riders. Bottom line is get out on twos and enjoy the ride. Ride safe!
Yes, agree on those thoughts. I have a 22 RGS and love it, but have recently purchased 20 LRS and love the handling for around town and short trips, essentially best of both worlds. Keep the LRS and if possible step up to a basic bagger and build it up from scratch. Enjoy your rides.
All 5 of your talking points are valid reasons for change. These are tough economic times and for many people a motorcycle is a secondary vehicle and they may have to let the bike go to make ends meet. I have no plans on getting rid of my Sportster but there are times when I think I would have been better served by buying a Heritage. That middle ground between a Sportster and a full bagger. I rarely do any city riding but often go on rural day rides to get away & clear my head. Cruise control would be nice for my type of riding.
Sportster is a great bike, but a touring bike it is not. It can do it, but not as a primary purpose. I agree with you a heritage would be a great all around bike.
Hey....Huuuuge Clint fan here! HaHa I agree with your comment. I have a '22 Lowrider S and it is indeed in the "middle of the line" as you stated. I don't have cruise control on mine either, but would have if I bought the ST model which they didn't have in stock at that time. I looked into the HD full cruise control setup and it's on backorder till our next lifetime it seems!
Dude I think you nailed it on the reasoning. I really think people jumped on this bike as a way back to feeling like a Dyna again. Now that the nostalgia of that wore off, in comes the ST to do it all over again
Number 1 reason I’ve seen people trading in, especially for the ST, is simply just to get the latest and greatest. A lot of people having a LRS, thinking “well now it’s out dated and not the best there is so I now have to go get the ST” If they have the money and really want it, more power to you. But there’s nothing wrong with keeping something a little “outdated” and making something even better your own.
Hey Bob, I ride a mint condition 2005 Superglide with the 88 motor, only mods are Freedom Performance exhaust system & Cobra 2000 Fuel Enhancer & this bike hauls ass & I have no interest in even looking at these new bikes & I can afford one. I love my 17yr old bike, I don’t feel the need to have the latest & greatest bike, stay safe!
I actually sold my brand new 2021 street bob for a dyna low rider s because i WANTED an old bike (classic harley instead of the modern M8 stuff, that's not for me). U can validate on that on my channel. if you listen to the sound of the orange street bob, you will understand. i think i will never buy a harley newer than 2017. except for maybe a sportster build up until 2020, because after that they wouldn't be allowed in europe because of emissions. And yes, this was an expensive lesson for me, but at least I now know absolutely what i like and what not.
@@TrudleR Totally get it. I heavily debated getting a dyna street bob over the 2020 LRS for that same reason. I picked up a LRS because I wanted the newest and greatest, and while I didn't regret the decision I definitely missed the old Harley feeling that the M8s just lack. I picked up a 48 this year so that helps.
I bought my 22 lrs at msrp and in cash back in March and have no plans to get rid of it. I have 2 other bikes. A 2021 Kawasaki ZH2 and a 2020 Grom. Wife can’t ride due to health reasons and riding is my passion. I’m fortunate I can afford it all but if I could only have one, it would be my low rider.
I F-ing love my FXLRS. She gets up and goes living in California splitting lanes. You won’t see baggers splitting as easily. Most trade because the bagger is more. People I’ve see trade up to the bags. The Fxlrs is a fast nimble bike make for curves and keeping up with the rockets.
Just brought home a '23 black LRS with a black TBR exhaust. Have 4 other pretty new and pretty fast bikes. But, I have to say this beast lets you know your riding a motorcycle. All stock for now, 131 might be in the future. 150 hp, 150 torque, although stock power is a blast. Could have bought a Diavel like the dude down the street, but chicks dig this bike. For interstate travel I'll take my big VStrom. Baggers are ok, but real limited ground clearance. Excellent vid.
Have a bunch of bikes and just bought a '23 LRS. Going to be with me for a long time. Love it. Don't need a bagger that weighs another 150-200 lbs. Very happy.
I've had baggers for years bro and I just got my lowrider and you might be right but is not every case, my legs are tired bro baggers are very heavy and traffic is a pain so that is why I'm trying a lowrider s but keeping the bagger 😂
I traded in my m8 street bob last month. Did alot of work to that bike stage 2, fairing, saddlebags etc. I loved the bike and planned on keeping it. But my mother called me a few months ago and said she was selling her house to buy a smaller one and one that was closer to her grandchildren. I was like wow where are you buying a new home at? Turns out she bought a new modular home 15 min up the road from me in the next town. She asked to take my son a few days a week because she was unable to spend as much time as she wanted with her other grandson. So I traded in the street bob for a new 22 Electra glide standard so the wife and I can actually go riding 2 up now!
@@IronBornRider I am lucky in that regard. My stepfather and mom are both retired now so I was more than happy to get a full bagger so we could ride 2 up. I would have bought a bagger in the first place but really I was the only one able to ride so there was no point in getting a touring model till now. Ideally I would habe like to keep the street bob and have a touring model but it's just not in the budget unfortunately. Hopefully you will be able to ride 2 up more often soon. It is a blast
Speaking of getting into adventure riding. I watched a video earlier of this guy who’s only ridden Harley (like myself) and he recently picked up a used Vstrom and is loving it. It’s got me thinking of doing the very same thing? I’ll be keeping my Low Rider S however! Just adding to the stable if I do get a Vstrom or something comparable. Still have lots of things I want to do with my Harley!
VStroms are excellent machines. The Vtwin in any of them are true workhorses. Have seen and heard of 650's and 1000's with 300-400k miles. Handle nicely as well. Why not have both?
I have a 22 road king special and find it’s a good in between bike. It’s good around town and not too much to handle and of course can handle a multi day trip. But still plenty nimble and doesn’t get tiring throwing it around town.
@@IronBornRiderit really is. I am in that small niche that does not like the fairing, west coast, or full tourer look, wants a minimalist look and touring frame comfort but also the storage. I can see the appeal of the low riders for sure much lighter and you have a little storage
@@mickeygaines007 I tested out the rks earlier this year and was really blown away by how smooth it was to ride and felt more nimble vs rg/sg. I just wish it was priced a bit lower
@@IronBornRider they will I think end up with a lot of RK’s sitting for a while unless they give a sweet APR deal or lots of customization/gear credit which is unfortunate as it’s such a great bike. But yeah when you can get the bigger engine and all the electronics if you want that for just a couple K more it’s tough to justify the RKS unless you’re like me and just like the style that much. We will see if they throw the new upgrades on the RKS and reintroduce the standard RK. I’m not counting on it because seems king of the bagger wannabes are the thing now.
I think the Low Rider S appeals to the younger section of Harley riders, and as we grow then we start to look at baggers as the type of riding we want to do changes a bit. I still have mine, its great for around town and shorter rides, but if I want to do more than 5 hours of riding a day there is better options. I plan to keep mine but the next one I get I want to be capable of cross country riding.
@WindyPine1131 if you're going to get another bike get one that gives you something the LRS can't, there too close believe it or not. Check out my set up on my 23 FXLRS it's just as capable as any tourer up to 500 miles and I can out handle any tourer...
I am one of the lucky one that scored a 2022 lowrider st. I plan on keeping this bike for the near future. I may get interested in the pan american later but I'll still keep the st. With 10 bikes in the garage already - what's one more...lol
It didn't come out in 2020. The Low Rider S came out in 2016 and was carried over to 2017 which was the last year for the Dyna platform. The Softail model came out in 2020 so I do get what you're saying, but the original Low Rider S is a Dyna. It is a highly sought-after Dyna model that still continues to climb in value to this day. I own a 2017 Low Rider S and absolutely love it. But whatever platform your S model is based on, they both have one thing in common. They are both great bikes.
I have a 2022 street bob 114. I needed a comfortable bike for daily 1 hour commute. Thought about the sportster, too small but love the style. Thought about low S but the price difference wasnt making sence to me.... I got my street bob for 14k out the door and its a great bike for my needs .... I have done a few distance rides and with the small throwover bags and a back pack and I was fine. Some people just want a bike to be like a large SUV and not really enjoy the "bike life" of the open road and the simplicity of riding. I hate how those large touring baggers look with the captain chairs with arm rests and cup holders... So dumb, just get a car and get out of my way.
So enjoying the "bike life" is shitting all over someone's preference of a bike? Sounds like someone is a little jelly that they cannot afford a bagger. I love my 2014 fat bob and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I could say what I think of the newer versions of my bike but ride what you like, not sure why your panties are in a bind over someone's choice?
@@NeverDoubtMe23 I think in a better way I could say, the more 'comforts' a bike has the less of a bike it becomes...imo. Affordability was never my issue. I never wanted a bagger so everything from the low s and up wasn't what I even wanted. The only reason for the low s consideration was I'm 6'3 and the extra length felt better. However at 4k more vs the bob I didn't see a good reason to choose the low s. If I put forward controls on the bob it's basically the same. I am mainly talking about the full size touring bikes. Yes they have a purpose but for me and my style it doesn't fit. Had a friend who had a full comfort goldwing... That thing looked silly with the massive tour pack on the back and the huge side bags. He had like 6 or 8 speakers on the damn thing with cupholders and rear passenger had like a regular sized passenger car seat with arm rests.... Two giant antennas flying of the back and a flag. Not to mention the front looked dumb as well. This bike was so big that when he sat on it it just looked weird. Now for him at the time he wanted a bike he could do long rides on. But he admitted it was too much and he wished he had gotten less creature comforts. Just to slim the look down a bit. And that's all I'm talking about. That when the bike has every bossible bag and accessory you can get it just doesn't look or feel like a bike anymore. To me. I could careless what others choose as their style but when you ask me what I like and what I don't like that's my opinion. And I don't like big ass bagger bikes. Because to me they look dumb. A simple road king or road/street glide is fine. But when you add all the extras it my be better to just get a car at that point bc if you need 5 suitcases strapped to your bike you have an issue.
Get the bike for what kind of riding you do. They are still on two wheels so for me that’s the big thing. I got a Road King Special because I wanted a bagger but like you say didn’t want a lot of those extras. I don’t care for big fairings either and I’m not the 100th “glide” to pull up to a bike night. But people that really crush miles on their bikes and have those Limiteds and Goldwings, some of those things really help. If you’re not going to be comfortable doing something that’s supposed to be fun, no need to do it. Before anyone jumps on me, I’ve ridden in rain, hail, and thunderstorm winds so I know it’s not going to be perfect all the time!
@@mickeygaines007 I agree that's what I'm saying.... To each his own. I personally don't like the full touring bike style... That's me. Maybe I'm wrong but I like style over accessories. Ride what you like but like what you ride too. Could I use more space when I ride long... Sure but keeping the style of my bike when I do pull up is more important to me than the 100th bagger at a meet. No hate, just my style and my opinion.
have a 2020 lowrider s only done 5000kms and had to replace the crankshaft due to excessive runout...quality control at HD needs to get better considering how much these bikes cost
I really want a dyna but they are 10-16 grand and 25 years old. The st is a little bit more and then you know exactly how many times it’s hit rev limiter 😂 I liked my brothers 883 but my legs felt cramped. I’m hoping this bike is very similar feel but a little bigger
All good reasons to switch up bike style... except for when you have a bagger, where do you go from there? A bigger bagger? A full dresser? A -gasp- Goldwing? :D Heck, I was checking out Ultra Limiteds at HD the other day... that'd be about the only thing I'd get rid of my Street Glide for :D
@@RoadReality lol dont knock ‘em till you’ve tried them. Actually would be really good content for you and your personality. You’d actually be really good at doing bike reviews
@@IronBornRider Haha, thanks! I don't actually look down upon anyone who wants to ride... but I'd be looking to live in my bike trailer if I showed up at home with another bike [and it wasn't free]. I'm hoping to throw a leg over some more bikes, maybe this fall or next spring, and do some reviews. I always enjoy riding another bike :D
I own a LRS but if LRST was available back in 2020, yes, without any hesitation, i ll buy LRST. Currently my 20 LRS has fxrt fairing n ST hard bags so ibam in comfort zone however it took me $$$to get where i am today.
I had just done a 128 kit on my LRS when the Street Glide ST came out. Iv thought about putting the LRS back to stock and putting the 128 kit on a Street Glide ST.
ejoyed the video amn, I've been wondering myself why people are getting rid of them, especially after sinking good bit of money into them, i've wondered if people didn't know how much they really had to do to make it comfortable or their own, its not a cheap venture by any means......I have a 22 lowrider s, and it has its issues that HD says is "normal", i say bullshit, atleast i have a good dealer, the tech i like to work on my bike asked if he could have it for a couple of days to try and figure some shit out, and he actually felt what i was talking about, so i felt vindicated lol and its not just buzzing through the bars , that i can deal with....so he's getting it after i get back from my 7 day trip....so i thank god i go to a good dealership....interesting video man, sláinte!
@@rollinreaper the thing has what i like to describe as a slight "hop" in the front? and the thing vibrates and speed and sometimes feels like its hittin on one cylinder....i don't know but i'm not pleased with it
When something is new and you obsessively lust after it, you will sacrifice everything to obtain it. When that same thing becomes like an old marriage, well....
I have a 2022 Lowrider S and no plans trade it in. I installed 12" Meathanger bars which put the grips in a comfortable location for my small frame. I ride solo for a couple of hours locally so no need for bags or a passager seat. If you're going to be spending $20K or more for a bike you really need to be realistic about what your needs really are so you don't get short changed trading a bike in after a year or two.
I wouldn't argue they are just following trends. "Performance Bagger " is what in now and all the cool guys are getting Road Glides but yet still barely rack up any miles.
Same, my low rider suits me. I don't want to trade it for a heavier bike. I have obligations at home if I go some where it's an overnight trip nothing more. I'm not buying a bagger for what this can do I don't 2up. It's a cruiser and it cruises great. I'd be just fine riding this across the country if i wanted to. If I get anything else it'll be an Enduro, dualsport whatever people call them now. A street legal dirt bike.
How would you describe the difference between the Low Rider S and the Sportster 48? I currently have a Sportster 48 that I have heavily modified, and I am now deciding on my next bike. I have owned a ton of bikes in the past, but the 48 was my first Harley and I have loved it. I am currently torn between getting a Low Rider S or a Yamaha MT10. I know, those are 2 very different bikes, but I rode the MT10 and really enjoyed it. I have not had a chance to ride the Low Rider S yet, so I am curious how would you compare it to the Sportster? It is a very hard choice for me between the Low Rider S and the MT10. Both seem like amazing bikes. Hopefully I will get a chance to ride the Low Rider S to see how it feels in person. Thanks and great video!
It’s a night and day difference between a sportster and a low rider s. Low rider s is much more capable in every facet. Kind of hard choice between a naked bike vs a cruiser. Ultimately it depends on what you prefer out of your motorcycle
@@IronBornRider Great info! I will honestly need to test ride the Low Rider S before I make a decision, but one of the big things I love about my current harley is how much I have been able to customize it. Seems like the Low Rider S is very similar in that regard, with a great aftermarket, so I am sure I would enjoy that. Thanks!
I’ve owned a 48 and now a Lowrider S. MUCH more power, 6th gear, better suspension. The power with the 117 engine make available tremendous power. Super fast from 40 to 80 mph.Its great bike for solo rid
I am the third owner of my 2020 Low Rider S. The first owner did a ton of high end mods to it like a Stage II cam, two in one exhaust, Thrashing 6” pull back riser and high bar, and the list goes on. Don’t know why he sold it. The second owner sold it to me because he wants to buy a house. I love this bike. It is a nicer upgrade from my 883 Sportster.
I am adding a bunch of my own upgrades to it as well. So far I added the Green Brothers brake and shift linkage, Robert Becker deat lox, Metzeler Cruisetec tires on the front and rear, T-fairing with the 15" curve visor, Crash bar, fog lights 3" pods, and a bunch of other things. Next big upgrade is the Legend Suspension AXEO High-Performance Front Suspension System For Harley Softail 2018-2024. I should have a video coming out in a week on all the mods on my bike.
Honestly…. I don’t really see much difference in long ride comfort when comparing a road glide to a lowrider st…you can get floor boards, you can upgrade the already decent suspension and you really don’t have much difference ,.. maybe a slight more feeling of being planted on a touring bike. But 300 more pounds also has its drawbacks,, I like to ride a bit on the aggressive side…. I miss my street Bob..lol that rode so unbelievably good.. easy. Just feels like I’ve been riding all day every day
I got a 08 Anniversary Low Rider, I'll never trade it in, My first Harley, been riding Super Sport class for the last 35 years. 11" drag bars, Vance and hines python pipes and screaming eagle air intake
Let’s remember Harley is having a very hard time selling bikes . One being young people today cannot afford anything ! So they have to target mid 30s to 60 year old men to get us to trade in or if we got the funds get our 2nd or 3rd bike. I own a 21 LRS and I absolutely love it. Once modified for comfort and performance , I haven’t regretted turning in my Road glide for it once yet
Yeah, I've been there myself when I was younger. Something new and cool comes out and I buy it even though I don't have the means to afford it long term. Oh to be young again lol
Out of curiosity what made you go from a bagger to the Lowrider? Interesting bc I would never get a bagger simply bc I love the traditional old school look of the cruiser style. I won't say I haven't thought of a Street Glide though which isn't far off from the Lowrider ST look....especially when you're riding 2 up. If my dealership had the Lowrider ST at the time of me buying the '22 S, I would've sprung the extra 2500 for that model to have the large fairing and hard shells on the back.
I mean, it's a cut and paste of why people sell anything - change of taste, change of finances, change of life commitments. Also, the last reason is purely anecdotal, unless I missed the actual research.
My thought is… yeah a touring bike might be better for long cross country trips… but. Who wants to ride a big 900 pound bagger to go out for a ride around town? Idk…. There is some appeal.. I do see a lot of guys ripping around like it weighs nothing..and maybe it’s not an issue… just seems like it less fun than a lighter bike…
That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t gotten a bagger. I’m mostly doing around town riding and I don’t want to haul a 900lb beast around lol. But when I’m able to do more cross country trips I may decide differently
The motorcycle manufacturers just love it when new riders shell out good money to try and figure out which bike is best for them and whether they can or cannot afford it. Not a new rider but somewhat guilty. I just continue to endure the love hate aspects of motorcycles. They are not necessary just great fun! I have had 4 new Harleys and currently possess my first used Harley a 2000 XL1200C a beautiful representation with very low milage. In my humble opinion for most useful ride, it's a tie between the Heritage and the Low Rider. The Heritage for lumbering comfort and distance. But for me the Low Rider takes it for the ruckus factor. Why the Sportster you ask? It is the most I can still push around, when need be, my age.
I have a LRS 23 and I test rode a load of bikes. I loved the Breakout but the handling for living in the mountains sucks. The LRS corners and handles way better than Fat Boys and baggers. I see the LRS as the modern younger Harley. The Fat Boy makes me feel like an old geezer when I’m on it lol.
I was looking to buy an 883 as my first bike and my wife said just buy a brand new one… i dont know much about bikes so i baught what i thought was a bigger version of the iron 883… turned out i Bought my dream bike a 2022 lowrider s… i love my wife
Your summations are feasible and most likely the main course a lot of buyers are taking. The Low Rider S with bags is a Sport Tourer, and designed to multi-task, and it will be popular for that reason for a long time.
I have a '22 Lowrider S and I absolutely love it. It is a cruiser that (to me) defines the HD culture from the early days. Just the other day I swapped the ugly ass stock levers out with Lucky Speed Shop ones which aesthetically made a big difference! Running with a Bassani 2 into 1 Road Rage III exhaust and few other mods. I get a hard on just talking about my bike hahaha. Doing a stage 2 in October with a torque performance cam and the other necessary parts that need to be swapped out along with it. Primarily doing this major upgrade so when me and my lady go riding, it will be like there's zero weight on the bike....plus it will get me a little closer to that V-twin sound I miss from my '05 Dyna I once had. Not a fan fave of the M8s as compared to the V-twins, but is what it is.
@@IronBornRider Definitely! That loping engine sound is not on our M8s which sucks. I watched your other vid just now with the Roadglide ST. Overall, what were your final thoughts if comparing the ride to our Lowriders?
@@rollinreaper I think the LowRiderS is much more nimble, and quicker off the line without as much weight. I didn't love the slow maneuvers but for a big and heavy bike it was very agile. I'd love to have one someday when I'm doing more touring type of riding.
@@IronBornRider I agree and makes sense! The Lowrider S just emulates the "older school look" of HD....in my opinion, more so than a bagger/touring bike.
I feel like a good amount of LRS riders are hype beasts type of people. For example Marvelkid on youtube. Can't stand that guy he's just a trend follower. Guaranteed he will have a one of the STs by the end of the year just because it's the latest and greatest.
I traded my 21 RK in for a 22 Lowrider ST why? The ST is ALOT lighter I am at a point in age where dealing with a really heavy bike is hard. Plus lets face it 107 vs 117 much better :)
If I were to buy into the Harley clique I would go used . Why ? PRICE ! At the price Harley wants for their new baggers it's very hard to justify getting a new bike because your bored with what you got . If you became bored with the model you have why not totally switch brands ? Pick a brand you can afford and ride . Cause when it comes down to it motorcycles no matter the brand or style do mostly the same thing . Allowing you the experience and joy of riding . That's the brotherhood ! Not the brand . Think about it!
There's not a Harley bagger out there that can do what the lowrider s does on the 2 lane blacktops and twisty's. That's while I'll be keeping my 2022 lowrider s. I already have 6000 miles on it and have done a couple long range trips on it. Have you seen people riding the glides? They ride it like it's big rig truck never going over 2600 rpm. No thanks.
Big facts lol. Before I got into Harleys or bikes in general I always wondered why there were so many models that look very similar. I was thinking how many bikes does Harley need to have? But now I get that different tools for different jobs.
Windshields are for cars. 3-Wheelers are Tricycles. Motorcycles have 2 wheels. Don’t even get me started on those clown cars the yuppies call Sling Shots.
Okay so instead of getting a Low Rider S one could get a Low Rider ST which is pretty much the same thing except it has the bags and the fairing like he was talking about that this bike lacked
